In a sweeping energy sector reform, Zambia’s Ministry of Energy has reduced the approval time for solar energy project applications from more than six months to just 48 hours. The accelerated process is part of a broader national effort to speed up the country’s transition to clean energy and meet ambitious solar power targets.
The move directly supports the Presidential Directive to add 1,000 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity to the national grid by the end of 2025. Energy Minister Hon. Makozo Chikote emphasized the government’s drive to foster a transparent, efficient, and investor-ready climate for renewable energy projects.
“We are removing unnecessary bureaucracy so that investors can move quickly from planning to implementation,” said Minister Chikote. “This is key to achieving our clean energy goals.”
Under the new system, delays that previously stalled investment for months will now be avoided—allowing developers to fast-track solar installations and contribute meaningfully to the country’s energy mix. The Ministry is also urging traditional leaders and local councils to support land acquisition for solar projects, recognizing land access as a critical enabler for deployment.
As Zambia confronts ongoing energy shortages—worsened by the 2024 drought and an overreliance on hydropower—the shift toward solar is seen as both urgent and strategic.
To further attract investment, the government is rolling out clearer regulations, simplified procedures, and bankable power purchase agreements (PPAs) to ensure solar ventures are both sustainable and profitable.
Minister Chikote also extended an open invitation to private players, especially those with innovative energy solutions, to collaborate with the Ministry. Technical support and open dialogue, he said, will be central to making Zambia a hub for clean energy development.
This bold reform signals a new chapter in Zambia’s energy story—one focused on speed, sustainability, and self-reliance in the face of climate and energy challenges.
